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I Years had been from Home

Emily Dickinson·1830–1886
Lines:24
I Years had been from HomeAnd now before the DoorI dared not enter, lest a FaceI never saw before Stare solid into mineAnd ask my Business there --"My Business but a Life I leftWas such remaining there?" I leaned upon the Awe --I lingered with Before --The Second like an Ocean rolledAnd broke against my ear -- I laughed a crumbling LaughThat I could fear a DoorWho Consternation compassedAnd never winced before. I fitted to the LatchMy Hand, with trembling careLest back the awful Door should springAnd leave me in the Floor -- Then moved my Fingers offAs cautiously as GlassAnd held my ears, and like a ThiefFled gasping from the House --